The Canadian Stakes has really crowned some amazing champions over the years, including two-time winner Starship Jubilee, Fev Rover, Moira, Full Count Felicia, and most recently, Ready for Shirl. This year looks to have a couple of standouts but looks can be deceiving and as we know. Funny things can happen in these type of races. Canadian Stakes – Race #8 Top Selection: #6 Proctor Street 2-1: Strike a line through her last as nothing went her way. She was fractious at the gate after a rival acted up then had to steady before the first turn causing her to lose position and was just unable to recover – chalk it up to bad racing luck. Prior to that debacle, she placed in three consecutive graded stakes events, including finishing ahead of Vina Arana in G3 Mint Julep at Churchill Downs, who recently dominated the G2 Nassau winning by four lengths. She adds Lasix back and picks up Pietro Moran for the mount. Wildcard: #3 Awesomesauce 6-1: Well-travelled filly will be making her local debut for Joe Sharp who has had good success locally winning at 40% in 2026 for a return on investment of $3.01. Arrives here off a confidence boosting stake victory at Belterra as the favourite in a large field of 11, but this will be her biggest test to date. Deep closer gets back on the Lasix program but race dynamics could be an issue as there is only one bona-fide frontrunner in this compact field. Campos was second with Fantastical for this trainer in the G3 Royal North, which has been his only call for this outfit prior to this one. Expect her to be flying late – just not sure she can get there or if she can compete at this level. Longshot Play: #2 War Painter 20-1: Big class test for this gal, as while she has competed in stakes in her career, this is a tougher calibre of competition. That being said, her pedigree screams distance on the turf as her sire Danish Dynaformer found his niche route racing on the grass. Stablemate to fellow entrant Eponine, who will likely take more wagering action than her, may be more forwardly placed to keep Lupa honest on the front which would be beneficial for closers. This is a big ask, but she is getting on the inner sod for the first time this year which could really move her forward. She could surprise at a really big price so is worth including underneath in your exotics. War Painter. Michael Burns Photography The Play: I am looking to do a Pick 3 that starts here and ends with The King’s Plate. We will take a shot against Luster in the last leg looking for value. 4,6/2,3,5/9,10,12 = $18 Share This:Share
